Vikings Suddenly Have A Backfield Concern Before Detroit

With Aaron Jones' health in question after a key victory, the Vikings face tough decisions on their backfield lineup.

The Minnesota Vikings may have gotten Jordan Mason back in the mix on Sunday, but the bigger running back storyline quickly turned to Aaron Jones.

Jones, who has been managing a sprained left MCL since Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, left the game against the Indianapolis Colts after taking a hit on a 17-yard run in the second half. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reported that Jones went straight to the blue tent after the play.

“Aaron Jones, who has been playing with a sprained left MCL, went straight to the blue tent after getting hit on that 17-yard run,” Seifert wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Minnesota later listed Jones as questionable to return with a “knee” injury.

Before exiting, Jones had rushed for 26 yards on eight carries. Mason, back after spending multiple weeks on injured reserve with a thumb injury, handled 15 carries for 68 yards and averaged 4.5 yards per attempt. The Vikings finished off a 16-10 win over Indianapolis to move to 7-0.

Coming into the year, Minnesota expected Jones and Mason to share the backfield, with Mason handling more of the work on the ground and Jones taking on a bigger role in the passing game. If Jones has to miss time, Mason’s workload could grow, with Demond Claiborne and DeeJay Dallas also in the room.

Jones has still been a major piece of the offense despite the injury, piling up 410 rushing yards and two touchdowns while adding 12 receptions for 72 yards. At 31, he remains a key part of what the Vikings are doing.

For now, the severity of the latest injury is unclear. Minnesota’s next game is against the Detroit Lions on Nov. 1.

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